Leonard Floyd Gill

Leonard (Len) Floyd Gill, 88, went home to be with the Lord on January 7, 2026. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Len lived with faith, humility, and a servant’s heart.

Len was born on May 31, 1937, in Billings, Montana, to Floyd Clarence Gill and Muriel Mayetta Gill. He was the youngest of five children, with siblings Joan, Joyce, Wayne, and Lauretta. Len grew up on the farms surrounding Laurel and Billings and graduated from Laurel High School in 1956.

On October 5, 1958, Len married the love of his life, Elsie Sullinger. Together they attended and completed New Tribes Bible School and missionary training. During those years, their first two children, Lenna and Laura, were born.

In March 1962, Len and Elsie moved to Bolivia and began studying Spanish. While serving on the mission field, their two sons, James and Loren, were born. Len and Elsie ministered among the tribal people of the Amazon for 48 years.

Len loved traveling the jungle rivers by boat to share the gospel. Alongside fellow missionaries, including his brother Wayne, he helped teach tribal people to read, write, and learn basic mathematics in their own language. Through that work, many went on to serve their own people in their own villages. Len especially cherished one-on-one ministry, encouraging others to walk closely with the Lord. He also loved music and sang throughout his life.

Len and Elsie retired to the New Tribes Mission Homes in 2009. Even in retirement, Len continued to minister by visiting and encouraging others in local nursing homes; and later, continuing that ministry even after becoming a resident himself. His steady encouragement and faithful witness touched many lives.

Len is survived by his wife, Elsie Deanna Gill; his sister, Joyce Fry; his children, Lenna, Laura Feneis (Ron), James Gill (Ki-Ki), and Loren Gill (Alyssa); 10 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his grandchild, Silas Gill.

Len never complained or lost his sense of humor, even in his last days.

A memorial service will be held at Ethnos360 Chapel, 108 Mission Blvd., Sanford, Florida, on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 2:30 p.m., with refreshments served immediately following. We will give thanks for his life and welcome the memories he left behind. A second memorial service will be held on May 31, 2026, in Billings, Montana. Time and place will be announced.

To share your memories of Len or to leave a special message for his family online please visit the guestbook below.